Most Kent County Commissioners face challenges in August primary

All but one of Kent County's 19 commissioners are running for re-election. And based on Tuesday's candidate filings all but two incumbents will face challengers.

Eight districts will have primary races in August. The rest will square off in the November general election.

A three-way Republican primary is set in the 7th District, which is wide-open because of the retirement of long-time Republican Commissioner Marv Hiddema.

In that district, Republicans Daniel Lavengood of Wyoming, Stan Ponstein of Grandville and Joe Sierawski of Grandville will face off in August. The winner will run against Democrat Michael Francis of Grandville in November.

There will be another three-way Republican primary in the 2nd District, where the board's longest-serving commissioner, Fritz Wahlfield of Comstock Park, holds the seat. Wahlfield will face Republicans Thomas Antor of Sparta and Gary Albert Potter of Sparta in August. The winner will square off against Democrat Patricia Kramer of Comstock Park in November.

In the 16th District, incumbent Democrat W. Paul Mayhue of Grand Rapids will face a primary challenge from Jim Talen of Grand Rapids. The winner will face Republican Stephen J. DeKoster of Grand Rapids in November.

-- 10th District: Incumbent Republican David J. Morren of Gaines Township will face a primary challenge from Republican Bill Hirsch of Caledonia. The winner will run against Democrat Brian S. Bosak of Caledonia.